Emirates Defense Technology to develop self-propelled artillery

Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Defense Technology (EDT) has signed a deal with UK-based aerospace and defence company BAE Systems to partner on opportunities for the development of artillery vehicles. The agreement covers the opportunity to use both BAE Systems’ towed M777 155mm Lightweight Howitzer and the opportunity to develop a self-propelled artillery system with EDT’s Enigma […]

Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Defense Technology (EDT) has signed a deal with UK-based aerospace and defence company BAE Systems to partner on opportunities for the development of artillery vehicles.

The agreement covers the opportunity to use both BAE Systems’ towed M777 155mm Lightweight Howitzer and the opportunity to develop a self-propelled artillery system with EDT’s Enigma 8×8 Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle – a UAE-made vehicle unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition (Idex) in February last year.

The Enigma programme is aimed at providing the UAE’s land forces with a variety of differing vehicle types based on a common 8×8 chassis. This deal allows for the development of both towed and self-propelled artillery systems, allowing forces the capability to carry out “fire-and-move” and precision attacks.

Colin Rothwell, the chief financial officer of EDT, said it was “delighted to collaborate with BAE Systems in the UAE for the M777 lightweight howitzer and its vehicle integration programmes”.

“This agreement reinforces EDT’s commitment to partner with the world’s leading military companies to provide the most up-to-date and proven equipment, technology and solutions to our clients.”

BAE said that its M777 is half the weight of other 155m towed howitzers and is battle-proven, having been used by ground forces from the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Stephen Luk, the head of campaign management at BAE Systems, said: “The M777’s credentials are unmatched by any other 155mm lightweight howitzer. It would provide the UAE Armed Forces with a high quality howitzer that is easy to use and reliable in combat.”